HIL 2024-25: Soorma Hockey Club Triumphs Over Dragons 3-2 to Secure Bronze
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Synopsis
On February 1, 2024, JSW Soorma Hockey Club triumphed 3-2 over Tamil Nadu Dragons in the HIL 2024-25 playoff for bronze, clinching a prize of INR 1 crore. Notable goals came from Gurjant Singh, Harjeet Singh, and Prabhjot Singh, while the Dragons scored through Blake Govers and Jip Janssen.
Key Takeaways
- JSW Soorma Hockey Club won the bronze medal in HIL 2024-25.
- The match ended with a close score of 3-2.
- Gurjant Singh, Harjeet Singh, and Prabhjot Singh scored for Soorma.
- Tamil Nadu Dragons’ goals were scored by Blake Govers and Jip Janssen.
- The playoff took place at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium.
Rourkela, Feb 1 (NationPress) JSW Soorma Hockey Club clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory against Tamil Nadu Dragons in a third-place playoff during the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, earning the bronze medal and a prize of INR 1 crore at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium on Saturday. Goals from Gurjant Singh (12’), Harjeet Singh (19’), and Prabhjot Singh (57’) secured the win for Soorma, while Blake Govers (15’) and Jip Janssen (59’) netted for the Dragons.
The match began with both teams playing cautiously, emphasizing ball control and swift passing. The Tamil Nadu Dragons had an opportunity to score in the 10th minute with a penalty corner, but Jip Janssen missed the target. Just two minutes later, JSW Soorma Hockey Club took the lead when Gurjant Singh (12’) received a pass from Jeremy Hayward and shot it into the goal. Shortly after, Soorma was awarded a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet Singh’s attempt was deflected away.
In response, the Dragons quickly countered, with Karthi Selvam maneuvering past defenders to deliver a perfect pass to Blake Govers (15’), who dove to his right and slotted the ball through Soorma goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch’s legs to level the score at the end of the first quarter.
Soorma regained the lead early in the second quarter when Harjeet Singh (19’) found himself unmarked in the circle and deftly chipped a deflected pass from Gurjant over the Dragons’ goalkeeper David Harte, making it 2-1. The Dragons soon faced another penalty corner, but Harte made an outstanding save against Hayward’s powerful shot aimed at the bottom right corner.
JSW Soorma continued their offensive pressure, creating multiple circle penetrations. In the final minute of the first half, Soorma was awarded three consecutive penalty corners, but Harte’s exceptional goalkeeping and the Dragons’ solid defense kept them scoreless, with the halftime score at 2-1 in favor of Soorma.
The Tamil Nadu Dragons entered the third quarter with renewed energy, applying relentless pressure on Soorma’s defense.
JSW Soorma Hockey Club intensified their efforts, earning three penalty corners in quick succession but failing to convert any. Despite the aggressive play from both teams, the penultimate quarter ended without any goals.
The fourth quarter was packed with action, as both teams frequently entered each other’s circles and created scoring chances. With just over five minutes left, JSW Soorma Hockey Club earned their eighth penalty corner, yet again failing to convert as Harmanpreet’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh.
Despite the missed opportunity, Soorma extended their lead shortly after when Gurjant Singh made a brilliant run, maneuvering past defenders and assisting Prabhjot Singh (57’) for a straightforward finish, bringing the score to 3-1 in Soorma’s favor.
In a dramatic finale, the Tamil Nadu Dragons earned a penalty corner in the last minute, with Jip Janssen (59’) launching a powerful shot to reduce the deficit to 3-2. However, this would be the final score, as Soorma emerged victorious with a 3-2 win.
